Introduction At first glance, Matthew Fox’s Creation-centred Spirituality (CCS) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) may seem to arise from different realms: one mystical and theological, the other pragmatic and clinical. Yet, both share a powerful orientation toward hope, transformation, and the creative potential of human beings. This post explores the deep resonance between Fox’s Four Paths and key elements of SFBT, offering a spiritually rich framework for therapists, spiritual companions, and seekers alike.
Creation-Centred Spirituality (CCS) is a theological and spiritual approach developed by theologian Matthew Fox that emphasizes the original goodness of creation, the sacredness of life, and the cyclical nature of spiritual growth through four paths: Via Positiva, Via Negativa, Via Creativa, and Via Transformativa.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, change-oriented therapeutic approach that emphasizes clients’ strengths, resources, and the development of solutions rather than focusing on problems. It centres on hope, the identification of preferred futures, and the co-creation of small, meaningful changes.
1. Via Positiva: Wonder, Gratitude, and the Preferred Future
Fox’s Via Positiva celebrates awe, delight, and the goodness of creation. It invites us to savour beauty and live in gratitude.
In SFBT, this spirit is mirrored in conversations that highlight what’s working, moments of competence, and glimpses of the client’s preferred future. Rather than starting with problems, we begin by noticing when life gives us joy, however small. Clients are invited to describe their imagined future in vivid detail—a creative, hope-filled act rooted in the present.
Practice Prompt:
2. Via Negativa: Silence, Letting Go, and the Therapeutic Pause
The Via Negativa embraces mystery, stillness, grief, and surrender. It honours the dark night, the space where transformation begins.
Similarly, SFBT respects silence and not-knowing. Therapists do not rush to fix or explain; instead, they co-create a space for reflection. Sometimes the most powerful movement arises from simply allowing the unknown to unfold. This path reminds us to honour pain, resist urgency, and trust the client’s inner process.
Practice Prompt:
3. Via Creativa: Imagination, Co-Creation, and Progress
Fox’s Via Creativa is the path of creativity and birthing. It’s where new life is imagined and expressed.
In SFBT, each conversation is a co-creative act. Clients and therapists together generate descriptions of small next steps, signs of progress, and alternative responses to old problems. The process is infused with the sacred energy of curiosity and possibility.
Practice Prompt:
4. Via Transformativa: Compassion, Action, and the Reclaimed Future
The Via Transformativa is the path of healing, justice, and compassionate response. It is not enough to envision—we must embody change.
SFBT contributes to this path by restoring agency and voice to clients. It reframes people not as broken, but as resourceful and resilient. The changes clients make—however small—can ripple outward into families, communities, and systems.
Practice Prompt:
Conclusion: Converging Paths
Fox’s Four Paths form a sacred cycle of life: awe, suffering, creativity, and action. SFBT mirrors this rhythm through its core assumptions and practices. Both remind us that hope is not naïve—it is a sacred force, grounded in presence, attentive to the future, and shaped by love.
Whether you are a therapist, spiritual director, or someone navigating life’s questions, this shared path invites you to co-create with the forces of life itself.
Reflection Question:
Created by Steve Runciman, Clinical Psychologist & Solution Focused Practitioner
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